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Pakistan pushes for increase in non-permanent members to make UNSC more representative, effective

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Pakistan looks to UN Water Conference pushing for achieving goal about 'clean water and sanitation for all'

UNITED NATIONS, Nov 18 (APP):Pakistan has made a strong case against creating new permanent seats on the UN Security Council, saying an increase in the number of non-permanent members would make the 15-member body more representative, democratic and effective.

“The only criteria for Security Council membership set out in the UN Charter is for the election of non-permanent members,” Ambassador Munir Akram told delegates when the deadlocked Inter-Governmental Negotiations (IGN) aimed at restructuring the Council resumed on Thursday.

The Pakistani envoy also underscored the need for flexibility to achieve the required consensus among all UN member states to overcome the stalemate in the reform negotiations.

“Unfortunately, consensus on Security Council reform has been impeded, from the outset, by the demand of four countries that they be selected as new permanent members in an expanded Security Council,” he said, referring to the relentless campaign by India, Brazil, Germany and Japan, known as the Group of Four, for elevated status.

“Their demand violates the principle of sovereign equality of States; it ignores the reality that permanent membership and the veto are often the cause of the Council’s inaction,” Ambassador Akram said.

Full-scale negotiations to reform the Security Council began in the General Assembly in February 2009 on five key areas — the categories of membership, the question of veto, regional representation, size of an enlarged Security Council, and working methods of the council and its relationship with the General Assembly.

Progress towards restructuring the Security Council remains blocked as G-4 countries continue pushing for permanent seats in the Council, while the Italy/Pakistan-led Uniting for Consensus (UfC) group firmly opposes any additional permanent members.

As a compromise, UfC has proposed a new category of members — not permanent members — with longer duration in terms and a possibility to get re-elected.

The Security Council is currently composed of five permanent members — Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States — and 10 non-permanent members elected to two-year terms.

In his remarks, Ambassador Akram drew attention to UfC proposal for a 26-seat Council, with the additional seats being distributed proportionally among the five regions. Each region could be allocated some longer-term seats with possible re-election, whereas small island developing States should be allocated one floating seat

Pointing out that the European Union (EU) speaks on behalf of its member States during major negotiations, he suggested that the bloc’s representative take the place of the two European permanent members to better reflect the continent’s regional interests and contemporary global realities.

As regards the criteria for Security Council membership, as set out in the UN Charter, is the members’ contribution to the maintenance of international peace and security as well as the other purposes of the Organization,” it was pointed out.

“The four seeking permanent membership have not really distinguished themselves by their contributions to peace and security in the ‘contemporary world’,” Ambassador Akram said.

“In the current war in Ukraine, apart from the parties directly involved, the State which has contributed the most to promoting a peaceful solution is Turkey, he said, adding, “In the Afghanistan conflict, apart from the parties directly concerned, the country which made the most significant contributions to peace and dialogue, and in addressing the humanitarian fallout, is Pakistan. On Myanmar, it is the ASEAN countries; on the Rohingyas’ plight, it is Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh, the OIC and the EU; in the Sahara, the brunt of the responsibility rests now with the regional African States and the UN.”

The four — India, Brazil-Germany and Japan — were largely “missing in action,” the Pakistani envoy remarked.

Besides equitable regional representation and capacity to contribute to peace and security, one additional criteria requires UN members to accept and carry out the decisions, he said.

“One of the four States seeking permanent membership has repeatedly refused to declare that it is committed to implement the resolutions of the Security Council,” Ambassador Akram said, referring to India.

“Indeed, it has – through force and fraud – prevented, for 75 years, the implementation of the Security Council resolutions demanding a plebiscite in Jammu and Kashmir,” the Pakistani envoy said said.

“Instead,”, he added, ” it (India) has embarked on a campaign of massive oppression and human rights violations to deny the recognized right of the people of Jammu and Kashmir to self-determination.”

That remarks drew a response from India.

Indian delegate Pratik Mathur, speaking in exercise of his right of reply, said that Pakistan’s reference to Jammu and Kashmir was “unwarranted”, claiming that the disputed territory was an integral and inalienable part of India.

Pakistani delegate Bilal Chaudhry countered by saying that Jammu and Kashmir is not an integral or inalienable part of India, nor has it ever been, adding that the Indian claim was “factually incorrect.”

Through several resolutions, he said, the Security Council has recognized Jammu and Kashmir as disputed territories where a final disposition will be determined through a free and impartial plebiscite under the Organization’s auspices.

India’s continued assertions negate the principle of the right of self-determination and are a direct affront to the Charter and the Council, said Chaudhry, a clounelor in the Pakistan Mission to the U.N.

“We wonder how India, who is seeking permanent membership, will add to the effectiveness and transparency of the Council when India has blatantly proven over the last 74 years that it could not care less about the Council’s resolutions on Jammu and Kashmir,.” he added.

NA passes resolution to protect children’s rights

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ISLAMABAD, Nov 18 (APP): The National Assembly (NA) on Friday unanimously adopted the resolution to acknowledge Children’s rights on World Children’s Day’ celebrated every year on 20th November.

The resolution was moved by the Member National Assembly (MNA) Mehnaz Akbar Aziz, stated that this House realizes the negative effects of climate change and feels strongly about the resulting suffering of 16 million children who have been impacted by the ‘super floods’ in Pakistan, and at least 3.4 million girls and boys who remained in need of immediate, lifesaving support.

The House recognizes the rights of every child born in Pakistan as well as mothers and the need for provision of the best available early care and safe environment for all children.

This House understands the importance of the first thousand days of every child’s life which is a unique period of opportunity for brain development and laying foundations of optimum health and future growth of children.

This House condemns merciless practices of child trafficking, child abuse, child pornography and prostitution, and recommends strong legislation and implementation to curb these inhuman and brutal offences.

This House reassures to safeguard rights of all children as enshrined in the1973 Constitution of Pakistan, and under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, for a more equal and inclusive Pakistan.

The House pledges to ensure inclusion of children’s voices in important matters to establish peace and harmony in the society, creating conducive environment for a healthy life.

This House reaffirms to tackle the menace of child and bonded labor as enshrined in Article-11 of the Constitution

Meanwhile, this House commits to create equal opportunities for all to acquire quality education in true letter and spirit as enshrined in Article 25-A of the Constitution of Pakistan.

This House resolves to invest time and effort for reducing malnutrition in children and mothers, and combat the menace of stunted growth among children in order to protect the future of Pakistan.

This House further commits that the child who is physically, mentally or socially handicapped shall be given the special treatment, education and care required by his condition.

This House pledges to provide more opportunities for children’s civic engagement and participation, as inclusion is pivotal to the future of democracy.

This House reiterates to further support and strengthen the Parliamentary Caucus on Child Rights for the child-centered legislation, advocacy and oversight, and National Commission on the Rights of Child to ensure greater compliance.

It is to mention here that as many as 500 students along with the teachers from the seven federal public schools working under the ambit of Federal Directorate of Education were also present in the National Assembly to witness the proceedings on International Children Day.

Speaker National Assembly welcomed the school children and teachers in the session.

PAF pavilion remained iconic at IDEAS-2022

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KARACHI, Nov 18 (APP):The 11th Edition of International Defence Exhibition and Seminar, IDEAS 2022, concluded on Friday at Karachi Expo Center.

On the 4th and final day of the exhibition, the National Aerospace Science and Technology Park (NASTP) being the most appreciated project of the show, continue to gather admiration from the visitors, said a news release on Friday.

The broad spectrum of the project and its national significance has made it the most successful project at the exhibition. The NASTP project as per CAS vision and his own initiative has materialized in record time.

PAF pavilion with the static display of state of the art JF-17 Thunder and Super Muhshak Trainer Aircraft remained iconic in the mega event with keen interest shown in the indigenously developed aircraft by the visiting delegates and senior military officials of different countries.

Earlier, on the 3rd day of the event, PAF’s legendary Mirage aircraft presented a breath-taking flypast at Karachi Sea view. The event also included a paratrooping show of PAF’s Air Borne team jumping from the mighty C-130 Hercules. The Flypast was witnessed by several key officials and delegates from friendly countries. The excited crowd gathered at the venue were over joyed to see the power packed performance of the PAF aircrew.

Both NASTP and the JF-17 Thunder aircraft together will serve as the leading defence productions to attract foreign delegates for joint ventures. NASTP is all set to become one of the best Aerospace, Cyber and IT Clusters in the world and transform national landscape with design, R&D and innovation centers for emerging and disruptive technologies to foster research, innovation and development in aviation, space, IT and cyber technologies, products and services to accrue maximum social, economic, security and scientific dividends for the country.

The mega event on one hand provided an opportunity to Pakistan Air Force to showcase its aircraft and indeginous productions infront of the audience from around the globe while on the other will pave the way for future defence collaborations with friendly countries.

Turi meets with Portuguese counterpart, discusses bilateral relations

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Turi meets with Portuguese counterpart, discusses bilateral relations
PORTUGAL: November 18 - Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, Sajid Hussain Turi met Portuguese Secretary of State for Labor Mr. Miguel Fontes and President of Public Works Department IEFP, Mr. Domingo Lopes. APP

ISLAMABAD, Nov 18 (APP): Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development (OP&HRD) Sajid Hussain Turi met Portuguese Secretary of State for Labor Mr. Miguel Fontes and President of Public Works Department IEFP, Mr. Domingo Lopes in Portugal.

In the meeting, bilateral relations, facilitation of immigration process and issues of mutual interest were discussed.
A detailed discussion was held on the process of further enhancing cooperation between Portugal and Pakistan in human resources and labor exchange programs.

Turi emphasised on increasing cooperation between the two countries in the field of human resources as that can benefit both sides, received a press release here on Friday.

Federal Minister further expressed that Pakistan is proud of its cordial and friendly relations with Portugal.
Pakistan and Portugal have always worked together to strengthen cooperation and relations with each other.
He further added that Pakistan is interested to expand the relations in economic sector.

He added that the sole reason of his presence in Portugal is to create opportunities for skilled and hardworking Pakistanis to work in Portugal.

He elaborated that Portuguese companies can hire Pakistani IT experts and skilled workers. Pakistan is willing to assist Portugal by proving manpower in various fields.

Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, Sajid Hussain Turi said that proposed draft on Labor Mobility Partnership should be signed soon. The agreement on Labor Mobility Partnership will provide a legal framework for increasing cooperation between the two countries.

Turi said both countries are working on student exchange programs. He said he is elated that Pakistani students can get a chance to study in Portugal.

He added that Pakistan and Portuguese must work to expedite the process of immigration and visa acquisition.
Minister expressed his gratitude for a warm welcome and his delightful visit to the beautiful country of Portugal.
He expressed his best wishes to the Government of Portugal and the people on behalf of the Government and the people of Pakistan.

President, PM grieved over life loss in Sehwan accident

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ISLAMABAD, Nov 18 (APP): President Dr. Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday expressed grief over the loss of lives in a traffic accident near Sehwan Sharif in Sindh.

In their separate messages, the president and the prime minister extended their condolences to the families of the deceased.

At least 18 people drowned as a passenger bus fell into a floodwater ditch near Sehwan district on Thursday.

Pakistan exported textile products worth $5.941 billion in 4 months

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ISLAMABAD, Nov 18 (APP): The textile exports from the country reached to $5,941.099 million during the first four months of the current fiscal year (2022-23), Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) reported.

The textile exports showed a decline of 1.34 percent during the period under review when compared to the exports of $6,021.813 during the same period of last year (July-October 2021-22).

The textile products that witnessed positive growth during July-October (2022-23) as compared to the corresponding period of last year included cotton cloth, the exports of which grew by 1.27 percent to $750.115 million from $740.711 million while the exports of knit wear increased by 6.92 percent, from $ 1,601.778 million to $ 1,712.606 million.

The exports of tents, canvas and tarpaulin increased by 21.24, from $30.810 million to $37.355 million, ready-made garments by 2.46 percent, from $ 1,158.603 million to $ 1,187.059 million and art, silk and synthetic textile by 2.06 percent from $ 143.320 million to $ 146.276 million.

The exports of raw cotton witnessed cent percent growth by growing to $9.846 million during the period, according to PBS data.

The textile goods that witnessed negative growth in trade included cotton yarn, the exports of which declined by 18.14 percent, from $ 394.765 million to $285.315 million.

Likewise, the exports of cotton (carded or combed) declined by 86.14 percent, from $1.542 million to $0.214 million, yarn (other than cotton yarn) by 14.56 percent, from $17.240 million to $14.730 million, bed-wear by 8.64 percent from $1,091.124 million to $996.840 million, towels by 2.02 percent, from $323.385 million to $316.860 million, made-up articles (excluding towels, bedwear) by 11.37 percent, from $168.583 million to $238.043 million while the exports of all other textile materials went down by 1.65 percent, from $249.952 million to $245.840 million.

Meanwhile, on year-on-year (YoY) basis, the textile goods’ exports declined by 15.23 percent in October 2022 to $ 1,357.038 million against exports of $ 1,600.930 million in October 2021.

On month-on-month (MoM) basis the textile goods’ exports however decreased by 11.13 percent in October 2022 when compared to the exports of $ 1,527.071 million in September 2022, according to the PBS data.

It is pertinent to mention here that the overall merchandize exports during the first four months of the current fiscal year increased by 0.94 percent to  $9,549 million as compared to the exports of $9,460 million during the corresponding period of last year.

On the other hand, the imports of the country decreased by 16.21 percent during the period under review by going down from $25,084 million last year to $21,018 million during the current year.

Based on the figures, the trade deficit was recorded at $11,469 million this year against the deficit of $15,624 million last year, showing a decline of 26.59 percent, according to the data.

Currency rates of NBP

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NBP

KARACHI, Nov 18 (APP):Following are the selling/buying rates of major currencies issued by the National Bank of Pakistan (NBP), here on Friday.

CURRENCY SELLING BUYING


USD 225.33 220.37
GBP 268.50 262.57


EUR 233.94 229.23
JPY 1.6124 1.5768


SAR 60.03 58.55
AED 61.36 60.39

Adoption of self-determination resolution at UN ‘beacon of hope’ for Kashmiris: Amb Munir Akram

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UNITED NATIONS, Nov 18 (APP):The Pakistan-sponsored resolution, adopted by a UN panel on Thursday, that upholds the right to self-determination for peoples subjected to occupation is a “beacon of hope” for the people of Indian-occupied Kashmir, Ambassador Munir Akram has said.

“The wide sponsorship and unanimous endorsement of Pakistan’s resolution on the right of peoples under foreign occupation to self-determination is a beacon of hope for the heroic people of occupied Jammu and Kashmir,” the Pakistani envoy said, when asked for his comments by APP correspondent.

The resolution, co-sponsored by 72 countries, was unanimously adopted in the General Assembly ‘s Third Committee, which deals with social, humanitarian and cultural issues, along with several other human rights resolutions.

Pakistan has been sponsoring this text since 1981. It is expected to come up for General Assembly’s endorsement next month.

NBP Exchange Rates

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Rupee gains Rs 2.96 against US dollar

KARACHI, Nov 18 (APP): Treasury Management Division of National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) on Friday issued the following exchange rates.

CURRENCY SYMBOL TT Selling TT Buying

U.S DOLLAR USD 223.10 222.60
EURO EUR 232.07 231.55
JAPANESE YEN JPY 1.5964 1.5928

BRITISH POUND GBP 265.84 265.25
SWISS FRANC CHF 234.57 234.05
CANADIAN DOLLAR CAD 167.64 167.27

AUSTRALIAN DOLAR AUD 149.78 149.44
SWEDISH KRONA SEK 21.18 21.13
NORWEGIAN KRONE NOK 22.10 22.05

DANISH KRONE DKK 31.14 31.07
NEWZEALAND DOLLAR NZD 137.50 137.19
SINGAPORE DOLLAR SGD 162.58 162.22

HONGKONG DOLLAR HKD 28.62 28.56
KOREAN WON KRW 0.1667 0.1663
CHINESE YUAN CNY 31.44 31.37

MALAYSIAN RINGGIT MYR 49.02 48.91
THAI BAHT THB 06.23 06.22
U.E.A DIRHAM AED 61.17 61.04

SAUDI RIYAL SAR 59.43 59.30
QATAR RIYAL QAR 61.31 61.17

KUWAITI DINAR KWD 726.24 724.61

CONVERSION RATE FOR FROZEN FCY DEPOSITS
USD 222.5868
GBP 265.2789
EUR 231.0674
JPY 1.5957

SETTLEMENT DATE: 22-11-2022

Foreign exchange rates

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KARACHI, Nov 18 (APP): The Exchange Rates Committee of Financial Markets Association of Pakistan issued the following Exchange rates bulletin, here on Friday.

CONVERSION RATES FOR November 18, 2022 FOR FOREIGN CURRENCY FOR FORWARD COVER FOR DEPOSITS (EXCLUDING FE 25 DEPOSITS)

SBP SETTLEMENT VALUE DATE NOVEMBER 22, 2022

USD 222.5868
GBP 265.2789
EUR 231.0674
JPY 1.5957